RPO Independence Day Concerts Joined by Two Notable Narrators

June 30, 2011

CEO of Canandaigua National Bank and Dean of the Eastman School of Music will narrate James Beckel’s “Liberty for All”

Rochester and Canandaigua, NY – Today, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has announced that when it hosts its two Independence Day concerts this upcoming week (July 2nd and July 4th) it will be joined by two Rochester leaders who will each narrate during a concert: George W. Hamlin IV, the CEO and Chairman of Canandaigua National Bank, and Douglas Lowry, Dean of the Eastman School of Music.

Hamlin served in the U. S. Air Force between 1963-1969, mostly throughout South East Asia as an F-105 Fighter Pilot, flying more than 100 combat missions over North Vietnam; his decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and 10 Air Medals. He will narrate Beckel’s “Liberty for All” during the RPO’s patriotic concert on July 2nd at CMAC in Canandaigua.

“As a member of this community and a veteran, I am privileged to join the RPO in remembrance of those who have paid the ultimate price in the service of our country, ‘Sweet Land of Liberty.’ Beckel’s work is a delight to narrate as an inspired musical tribute to the men and women of our armed forces,” said George Hamlin.

“Liberty for All” features narrated quotes from the Declaration of Independence, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy in a very stirring musical setting that arouses the patriotic spirit in any American who listens to it.

"I am honored to be working with the RPO in a musical re-enactment of these uniquely American presidential texts on Independence Day,” said Douglas Lowry,who will narrate during the July 4th concert. “It is important that we all give pause to celebrate this pivotal moment in the history of the United States, a most fitting way to also celebrate the partnership between the Eastman School of Music and the RPO."

The RPO’s Independence Day concert in downtown Rochester on July 4th, which features Lowry, begins at approximately 9:00 pm on the Main Street Bridge, and is free of charge. People are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Fireworks will commence at 10:00 pm and recommended fireworks viewing areas are the Main Street Bridge, the Broad Street Bridge, Chestnut Street, near the Washington Square Garage, and the streets surrounding those areas. Free parking is available at the Washington Square, Court Street, and Sister Cities garages. This concert is sponsored by the City of Rochester.

The RPO’s “Red, White and Boom!” concert on July 2nd at CMAC in Canandaigua, which features Hamlin, begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at ticketmaster.com; lawn tickets for children 12 and under are free of charge. This concert is sponsored by Constellation Brands and the Wolk Foundation.